His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve
of the appointment of the under mentioned Officers to be Companions of the
Distinguished Service Order, in recognition of their gallantry and devotion
to duty in the field:

For conspicuous gallantry. Though severely wounded, Captain
Dawson rejoined his company as soon as his wounds had been dressed, remained at
his post till an attack had been repulsed and was again wounded later. His
example of courage, endurance, and devotion to duty was one of a very high
order.

London Gazette 15th June 1916.

The following despatch has been received by the
Secretary of State for War from General Sir Douglas Haig, G.C.B.,
Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in France: I

General Headquarters, 30th April, 1916.

Sir, - I have the honour to forward herewith the names of
those under my command whom I wish to bring to notice for gallant and
distinguished conduct in the field.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,. D.
HAIG, General, Commander-in-Chief, The British Forces in France.

Royal West Kent Regiment - Captain W. R. A. Dawson, D.S.O.,
from acting Lieutenant Colonel whilst commanding a Battalion, to command a
Battalion and to be temporary Lieutenant Colonel, 5 January 1917, with seniority
from 5 December 1916.

London Gazette 18th July 1917.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award a
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order to:

Captain (temporary Lieutenant Colonel) William Robert
Aufrere Dawson, D.S.O., Royal West Kent Regiment

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the
situation was somewhat critical he displayed conspicuous bravery in organising
the defence. Although his troops were exhausted from prolonged exposure, he
completely reorganised the line under heavy shell fire. His total disregard for
personal danger was most marked.

(D.S.O. gazetted 15th April, 1916.)

London Gazette 21st December 1917.

The following is a Continuation of Sir Douglas Haig's
Despatch of the 7th November, submitting names deserving special mention,
published in a Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 18th, December, 1917
:

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased, on the
occasion of His Majesty's Birthday, to approve of the under mentioned rewards
for distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and
Flanders. Dated 3rd June 1918.

TO BE BREVET MAJOR

(On retired List, Reserve of Officers, Special Reserve, New
Army or Territorial Force, in the case of Officers belonging to these
categories, as applicable.)

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve
of the following Awards to the under mentioned Officers and Warrant Officers, in
recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field:

AWARDED A SECOND BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE ORDER

Captain, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel William Robert Aufrere
Dawson, DSO, Royal West Kent Regiment.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a party
of the enemy had broken through the brigade front, he led the personnel of his
headquarters as a fighting formation, and co-operating with the counter
attacking battalion, inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and captured two
machine guns and some prisoners. On the following day, when the enemy attacked
in force, he organised and led a counter attack with two companies. He repulsed
the enemy and re-established and advanced the line. later, when the enemy
attacked some advanced posts, he counter attacked and drove the enemy off with
loss. By his capable leadership, promptness of action and courageous example, he
was largely responsible for the position held by his battalion being maintained
intact.

(DSO Gazetted 15th April 1916.) (Bar Gazetted 18th July
1917.)

London Gazette 28th December 1918.

War Office, 28th December 1918. - The following is a
continuation of Sir D Haig's Despatch of the 8th November, submitting names
deserving of special mention:

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve
of the following awards to the under mentioned Officers and Warrant Officers in
recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field.

The acts of gallantry for which the decorations have been
awarded will be announced in the London Gazette as early as practicable.

AWARDED A THIRD BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE ORDER

Captain and Brevet Major (Temporary Lieutenant - Colonel)
William Robert Aufrere Dawson, DSO, Commanding 6th Battalion, Royal West Kent
Regiment.

For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership of his
battalion from 18th to 29th September 1918, near Epehy and Vendhuille. During
the period they took part in three assaults successfully. On the 21st / 22nd and
28th / 29th he was continually in the front line, superintending operations and
encouraging his men. The success of his battalion on these occasions was largely
due to his fine leadership and personal example.